Are you thinking about having your DNA tested to further your genealogical research but are not sure which company to use, how to get started, or even if it’s worth doing? Or maybe you’ve already tested and have a long list of matches but aren’t sure what to do with them?
We’re excited to announce, DNA—How It Can Help Your Research. This four-part lecture series will be presented via Zoom beginning May 18. The speakers are all members of Toronto Branch and will be sharing their knowledge of how DNA can help you with your genealogical research.
We know that there are a lot of resources available, on the internet and in print… perhaps too many? Where to start? Who has the best approach? Our aim is to access the experience of our “advanced” members. Think of it as spending four evenings getting advice from good friends.
They will introduce the basic concepts, approaches, best third-party tools and useful strategies open to DNA testers. This will not be a “how to” series, but instead will offer an introduction to the many aspects of genetic genealogy and where our experienced members recommend you go to find out more.
The lecture series is for beginners in genetic genealogy.
All sessions will be on Zoom beginning at 7:30 pm EDT. Each evening will include several presentations of between 10 and 20 minutes. The sessions will be recorded and available to paid registrants until about June 26.
Wednesday May 18: DNA—What is it and why to use it
- Why use DNA? Host Beth Adams: case studies
- Understanding some genetic principles and terminology can help you choose and interpret DNA Tests Presented by Elizabeth Kaegi
- Is there anything I need to know before doing this? (Misconceptions & Ethics) Presented by Paul Jones
- What to do while you wait for your results Presented by Matthew Benson
Thursday May 19: Which company to test with and what they give you to work with
- Gob or swab? Which company to use for DNA testing? Presented by Michael Nettleton
- Ethnicity estimates and your DNA search, the good, the bad, and the ??? Presented by Susan Reid
- DNA Matches—a look at the tools 4 DNA companies give you to work with Hosts Debi Eatherley and Beth Adams
- Finding & contacting matches Host Beth Adams
Wednesday May 25: What to do with all those matches
- To cluster or not to cluster, that is the question Presented by June Corfield
- Spreadsheets & Leeds Method Presented by Carol Nichols
- Thinking with graphics Presented by Susan Reid
- Shared AncestryDNA test results Presented by James F.S. Thomson
- Research / Shadow / Mirror Trees Host Beth Adams
Thursday May 26: Third party tools and final thoughts
- GedMatch Presented by Bill Whiteside
- Segment triangulation Presented by Linda Reid
- Chromosome painting on DNA Painter Presented by Linda Reid
- Find an answer to your research question using DNA matches Presented by Georgie Kennedy
- A ruling out case study (When DNA can prove your traditional paper genealogy is wrong) Host Debi Eatherley